Plum Point Middle Gator News

September

15- PTO Meeting at 6:30

16- 2-hour Early Dismissal

17- SGA Spirit Night (Mexico, Huntingtown)

29- Interims Live in HAC

VISION THE PPMS COMMUNITY:

• PROMOTES HIGH STANDARDS

• PROVIDES POSITIVE EXPERIENCES

• MAKES A DIFFERENCE

• STRIVES FOR EXCELLENCE

Mission: At PPMS, we believe that all students can reach their potential to become well-rounded, life-long learners who are contributing community members. Our academic focus is on critical thinking, self-direction, and proficiency with technology. We strive for an inclusive climate and culture that is safe, caring, and accepting.

At PPMS We Believe in the Gator Way:

• We embrace our differences.

• We do not give up on each other.

• We respect each other.

• We all have a voice.

• We value our wellness both body and mind.

• We rise to the challenge and opportunities for excellence.

• We are in this together.

• PPMS Spirit Wear
• On Friday, students received a spirit wear ordering form. Ordering begins tomorrow September 14 and ends on September 25. You can also make purchases online by accessing the following link: HTTPS://PPMS26.ITEMORDER.COM. Don't miss out on this opportunity to purchase some PPMS spirit wear.

• Destination Imagination
• If you have a student interested in Destination Imagination, please be sure to review the brochure found here>>> DI Brochure and complete the interest form no later than Friday. The form can be accessed here: DI 2027 Challenge Interest Form – Fill out form

• PPMS Student and Family Handbook

• In addition to the CCPS Code of Conduct, PPMS will be sharing our Student and Family Handbook soon. This resource reinforces important district policies while outlining school-specific expectations and procedures that help us maintain a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment. We encourage all families to review the handbook carefully and keep it as a reference throughout the school year. Please be on the lookout for this important document in the coming weeks.

• Academics Page
• Have you ever had questions about the curriculum and what students are learning? If so, we are excited to share that CCPS has created an Academics Page on its website for families to get a glimpse of curricular structures for elementary, middle, and high school. Use the link to explore>> Academics Page

• Grading Procedures
• Please use the link to access the most recent grading procedures update: Middle School Grading Procedures Guide for Families.pdf

• Gator Cafeteria

• We kindly request students who are not purchasing a lunch come to school prepared with their meals. This prevents frequent phone calls home and dropping off student lunches. Should such an occasion occur, we ask that meals be dropped off before lunch shifts begin (around 10:20am).
• More Information>> CCPS Meal Information Page
• Lunch Menus
• Cafeteria Welcome Back Letter

• Volunteering for SY26-27

• Calvert County Public Schools uses Raptor for visitors and volunteers to sign in and sign out. All volunteers will need to review the volunteer handbook and watch the volunteer training video before completing an Online Volunteer Application. Volunteers must be approved before they may begin service as a volunteer in any school buildings. Please note, the procedures for policy 8123 states that all volunteers must be at least twenty-one years of age unless he/she is the parent of a child in school.

• Only complete this application if you intend to volunteer with Calvert County Public Schools. The volunteer application is not used for visitors.

• Read the volunteer handbook.
• Complete the Online Volunteer Application. CCPS Volunteer Application
• The application may be completed on a computer or a mobile device.
• You are required to watch the CCPS Volunteer Training Video (approximately 14 minutes) before you can proceed with your application.

• CCPS Communications Update
• Stay Connected with CCPS!
• Don’t miss important school and district updates! Families are encouraged to make sure their contact information and communication preferences are current in the CCPS Notification System.
• Need help checking or updating your information? Follow the step-by-step directions.
• Guardians (non-CCPS employees): Guardians - Calvert County Public School District

• Everything You Need for Back to School – All in One Place! Visit the CCPS Welcome Back to School Hub for important information, resources, dates, and reminders to help your family get ready for the new school year. Welcome Back to School! - Calvert County Public School District

It is almost cold and flu season! Before the virus knocks you and your family out, try these tips to prepare for colds and flu. If you're lucky, they may also prevent at least some of your family from getting sick.

1. Be strict about washing hands. Germy hands spread colds and the flu. Tell your family to scrub their hands well with soap for 20 seconds. Tell kids to wash for as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice. Make sure you do it, too!

2. Stock up on supplies. Be ready before cold and flu season starts. Load up on tissues, hand soap, hand sanitizer, and paper towels.

3. Check your medicine cabinet. Make sure it contains pain relievers, fever reducers, and any other medications you use when your family is fighting colds or the flu, like decongestants or cough syrups. Review the correct doses based on age and weight. Check to see if any medications overlap or interact. Test your thermometer to make sure the batteries still work. Clean your humidifier.

4. Plan for sick days. You may need a few days off. Even if you don't get sick, you may need to take care of your sick kids. Start thinking about it now: What's your office policy for sick days? Will you have to take unpaid days off?

5. Line up support. You may need outside help. See if any family members can watch the kids if they're home sick from school. Or ask a neighbor if they can take the kids to soccer and dance if you're laid up in bed.
6. Disinfect. You don't need to spend all day spraying every surface with disinfectant. You may just want to disinfect some heavily touched items -- like doorknobs, remote controls, and phones -- each day.
7. Switch to paper goods. If everyone's sick, use paper towels instead of hand towels in the bathroom. Switch out glasses for paper cups, and toss them after one use. You'll be less likely to swap germs.
8. Fill the fridge and pantry. Stock up on some easy-to-make foods for lunches and dinners, in case you need a few days to rest and recover without cooking. Have some favorite drinks and snacks on hand for your kids. Include some comfort foods like chicken soup and PB&J.
9. Rest. Whether you're trying to recover from a cold or flu, or trying to avoid it, get plenty of sleep. Get your kids to bed on time, too.

10. Get your flu shot. One of the best ways to help keep the flu away from your home is to make sure your whole family gets vaccinated. The CCHD will be having Flu Shot Clinics in October. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

**And don't forget to eat healthy foods high in Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc to help strengthen your immune system!

Attendance updates are handled by Mrs. Mongello, PMMS Guidance Secretary. Notes should be delivered to the Guidance Office (Gator Services) or sent to PPMSAttendance@calvertnet.k12.md.us

When your student arrives late or leaves early due to a Health-Related Appointment (Doctor/Dentist/Therapist, etc.): A note is required to code as Legal. Please send a note in with your child when they return to school or email a note to PPMSAttendance@calvertnet.k12.md.us

🐊 Gator Vision: A Look Into the Future

Plum Point Middle School is excited to introduce Gator Vision: A Look Into the Future, a new Career Advisor initiative connecting our students with professionals from a wide variety of career fields.

Throughout the school year, guest speakers will visit PPMS on scheduled Tuesdays and Thursdays to share their personal career journeys, provide insight into the world of work, and answer questions from our students. Students will be selected based off their identified strengths, interests, and goals.

From healthcare and technology to skilled trades, business, public service, agriculture, media, and beyond, Gator Vision will expose students to the many different pathways available after middle school.

Real People. Real Careers. Real Possibilities.

We are also looking for community members and professionals who would be willing to share their career experiences with our Gators. If you or someone you know would be interested in becoming a guest speaker, please contact me (information below).

Thank you for your time and support!

Terry Pentecost

Career Advisor

Plum Point Middle School

Room 241

Email: pentecostt@calvertnet.k12.md.us

Student government helps develop public speaking and leadership skills which will help your student throughout life. Students get to practice these leadership skills at county and statewide general assemblies and conferences. SGA also plans and executes many schoolwide events.

• End Hunger Food Drive

• School Dances and Socials

• School Beautification Days

• Teacher Appreciation Activities

• Pink Day- Breast Cancer Research

• Love All Pets Month- Calvert Animal Welfare League

• School Spirit Weeks

Past and current PPMS SGA leaders have served on the Calvert Association of Student Councils, Maryland Association of Student Councils, and Calvert County Board of Education!

PPMS SGA helps develop our future leaders!

We are very happy to announce the schedule for SGA meetings for the 2026-2027 school year. We will begin meeting on Thursday mornings at 7:00 am in Mrs. Kelly’s room, 316.

We hope to see many returning students and students new to SGA at this meeting. Feel free to attend and learn more about the Student Government Association at Plum Point Middle School. All needed paperwork will be distributed at this meeting. We always welcome enthusiastic student leaders!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Kelly. kellyd@calvertnet.k12.md.us

📣 WE NEED MORE GATOR FAMILIES ON THE TEAM!

Our school has hundreds of families, but we currently have only 30 PTO registrations. Every membership helps us support students, show appreciation to our teachers and staff, host memorable events and strengthen our school community.

You do not have to attend every meeting or volunteer at every event to make a difference. Every membership, donation, shared post and helping hand matters!

💙 Family Membership: $20

💚 Teacher Membership: $10

Register here:

https://forms.gle/FJMRFuagZXFrCGF69

📅 SAVE THESE SEPTEMBER DATES:

🤝 September 15 at 6:30 PM — First PTO Meeting

This meeting will be held in person. Members and nonmembers are welcome and encouraged to attend, share ideas and get involved.

🐊 September 18 — Gator Pride Day

Wear your Gator gear or school colors and show your PPMS pride!

🎉 September 25 — Welcome Back School Dance

We are preparing a fun celebration for our students, and we need donations and volunteers to make it successful.

Sign up to help with the dance:

https://tinyurl.com/45uaaf68

Calvert County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry or national origin, familial status, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth programs.

Calvert County Public Schools does not refuse enrollment of a prospective student, expel a current student, or withhold privileges from a current student, or prospective student, or the parent or guardian of a current or prospective student because of an individual’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, age, national original, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Calvert County Public Schools does not discipline, invoke a penalty against, or take any other retaliatory action against a student or parent or guardian of a student who files a complaint alleging that the program or school discriminated against the student, regardless of the outcome of the complaint.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

• Director of Student Services

• Director of Human Resources
  443-550-8000

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.